“Driving Change: Eco-Club Members Spearhead Beach Clean-Up at Gangasagar”

The annual #GangasagarMela leads to a significant accumulation of #plasticwaste along Sagar beach and its vicinity, threatening delicate ecosystems and #riverine & #marinebiodiversity. Beach clean-up drives play a crucial role in safeguarding marine ecosystems by removing harmful debris such as plastic, glass, and metal from coastal areas, preventing pollutants from entering the #marineenvironment. This protects #marinelife, prevents #waterpollution, and promotes #communityengagement, ensuring sustainable coastal resource management for present and future generations.

The youth and eco-club members of Sagar are actively combating #plasticpollution by raising awareness and promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastics among local residents, tourists, shopkeepers, and temple authorities. On March 31st, 2024, 10 eco clubs from Sagar organized a beach clean-up drive, with 75 participants, including students from Krishnanagar High School and NSS students from Sagar Mahavidyalaya. Before the event, the Moutusi Eco Club members briefed participants about the campaign’s significance and objectives.

During the hour-long clean-up drive, participants collected various types of plastic litter from Gangasagar beach, accumulating 166.5 kilograms of plastic waste. Following the Block Development Officer’s instructions, the waste was stacked at a designated spot near the beach and will be safely transferred to the waste management facility at Rudranagar for proper disposal.

This eco-friendly initiative by the youth and eco-club members received appreciation from tourists and local shopkeepers for their commendable efforts in combating plastic pollution and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.